The R&B icon it taking a trip down memory lane across 10 sold out shows at the O2 arena.

Thanks to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, the world has been enjoying the warm embrace of a nostalgic concert as of late. And that’s not about to change, especially if Usher has anything to do with it. Following a whirlwind takeover of the US, the R&B maverick’s Usher: Past, Present and Future tour has landed in the UK for a string of 10 sold out shows at London’s O2 arena. Floods of fans, old and new, have been flocking to the capital, and wether it’s for the chance to partake in that particularly steamy cherry interlude, or groove along to the smooth sounds of ‘90s R&B there’s something for just about everyone in the crowd.

With an AI generated computer re-animating a fresh-faced Usher from the inception of his career, before guiding us through his past and present eras, tracks such as “Hey Daddy” and “My Way” promise to ignite infectious sing-a-long moments, and “Love in the Club” and “Party” transport you to the hedonistic club scenes that dreams are made of. Essentially, it’s one huge party. And if you are not in it for Usher’s immense vocal talent, his non-stop, gravity-defying moves — some of which are completed on roller skates — lavish fur get ups and patriotic Mowalola ‘fits will draw you in.

With the promise of a future filled with more R&B mastery hanging in the air, the Usher: Past, Present and Future tour is a sure show of the monumental impact he’s had, and will continue to have, on a genre he’s dedicated 30 years to. Here’s to the next 30!

Words – Erica Rana
Photography – Connie Burke